Date: Sat, 08 Dec 2001 07:46:12 -0500
From: Lee Mariner <mariner23502@hotmail.com>
Subject: Mark - series Part #29

MARK
PART #29

WARNING:  This is a gay fantasy involving homosexual acts between
men and boys. If you are not of legal age to be reading this material or
you do not approve it, PLEASE LEAVE AND GO NO FURTHER.

AUTHORS NOTE: I have had several readers ask me to spice the story
up with more sexual activity between parties.  I appreciate the interest
and suggestions. However, the story is not a sexual narrative but rather
the in depth study of a young man learning about his sexuality, loving
other men and the bond that develops between he and his uncle. Mark
had some advanced, elementary, knowledge of his sexuality but not the
intricate details that are involved in being gay and how to conduct
himself. If you are looking for more stimulating scenes, I am sorry.
There is sex involved but not the torrid involvement you may be
seeking. Having said, lets continue with the story and I hope you enjoy
it.

Charles deftly drives through the downtown Louisville traffic as his
passengers are engaged in their conversations.  Glancing to his right at
the young man in the front seat with him, he is impressed and feels a
little pang in his heart at the similarity between he and his sons.
Looking into his rear view mirror he sees the look in Mark's eyes and
his hand resting on the young man's shoulder.  The comparison with his
son's is remarkable and brings back sad memories.

Mark catches Charles looking at him and moving his hand squeezes his
shoulder and smiles at him in the mirror. He knows about Charles son's
and their loss to him. No words are needed for Charles to know what
Mark is feeling and he smiles back.

None of this is lost on William or Lee and William leans over
whispering in Lee's ear "do you think something might develop with
Mark and his friend?"

"That would be up to them Uncle Bill. I think they both are enjoying
each other at the moment. There are some complications you know."
"You are right Lee, it will just have to run its course for now" William
whispers as he sees the car pulling up to the private entrance to
ChoLin's.

As Charles opens the door to the car, the restaurant door opens and
ChoLin steps out, "welcome William. Your dining room is ready as you
requested. Mywin & Lowin will be serving you as before. Come in,
please."

"Thank you Cho but we will need another sitting. Mark has brought a
friend and he will be dining with us. I hope that is not inconvenient on
such short notice."

Smiling ChoLin says, "when do you ever inconvenience me William. He
is more then welcome." ChoLin turns and they follow him inside.

Following Mark, Calvin leans forward and whispers "you have been
here before Mark. I have never been in a restaurant like this. WOW!!!"

Mark turns his head slightly and says "we ate here the other night. The
man that met us is ChoLin and he is the owner. Wait until you see who
serves us."

ChoLin leads them quickly into their dining room and William notices
that another sitting has already been take care of with the usual
efficiency of ChoLin.

MyWin and LoWin are standing off to the side as they enter,
bowing,"good evening Mr. Woolford, gentleman. It is so nice to have
you with us again this evening, it will be our pleasure to serve you."

Both boys step forward quickly and assist William and Lee in seating
themselves as ChoLin says, "William dinner has been prepared as you
requested. Will you have a refreshment before you dine?"

"Yes, Cho" William says, "I think I would like a Martini using the
Beefeaters Gin if you don't mind. Lee what would you like and
something for the boys. Maybe we could have a light wine for them if
they would like."

"For me" Lee says, " I would like a glass of Taylor's Cream Sherry over
cracked ice. What would you suggest for the boys ChoLin, something
light as William asked would be fine since this is a bit of a special
occasion."

"Special occasion" ChoLin says suggesting a Chinese Rice Wine. "They
should enjoy it. My two cousins enjoy it very much. Gentleman, I will
leave you with them. Enjoy your dinner, please." The twins had left the
room without being noticed to see about the drinks.

"Uncle Lee" Mark says, "what special occasion is it tonight? You didn't
say anything about it earlier in the motel."

Winking at William Lee says, "Mark, I am surprised at you. This is
yours and Calvin's first date. Unfortunately you have to spend it with
someone other then being alone."

Mark glances at Calvin and they both are blushing blood red. William
and Lee are almost about to burst trying to hold in the laughter at the
sight of the two of them but with no success and they roar in delight.

Mark suddenly leans over and kisses Calvin lightly on the lips "it is our
first date out together if you don't count the swimming pool." Calvin is
absolutely struck silent by what has happened but he looks at Mark, his
eyes gleaming and that says it all, no words needed.

Their laughter subsides and their drinks are served by the twins.
Finishing they leave knowing that William will summon them when
ready for dinner to be served.

While he is sipping his drink, William is looking at Calvin and his
memory clears as to seeing him in the motel. He knows Cyrus always
liked young boys and the thought of him and what he might have done
with Calvin disturbs him.  Cyrus could be a violent man at times but
generally he made it very difficult for someone that refused him or
crossed him.  He always made sure that he and his quarry were alone so
there were no witnesses to his advances. Charles Effingham, the owner,
had asked him to warn Cyrus that he had heard some disturbing
rumors and he had done so on several occasions. He wondered if Calvin
had been the victim of his advances and he intended to ask him about it.
Sitting his drink down, William leaned forward and said "Calvin, may I
ask you a few questions? If you would rather not answer, I can
understand and we will leave it at that. Would you mind?"

Very quickly Calvin looks at Lee and then feeling Mark take his hand
he looks briefly into his eyes and sees it is okay.  Calvin looks at William
and says "I will answer what I can Mr. Woolford."

"Good" William says, "some of them are going to be a bit personal but I
am looking for information that you might be able to provide.  I recall
seeing you at the front desk sometimes when I visited Mr. Coleman. I
have known him a long time and whatever you tell me will not be a
surprise & will be confidential. Has he ever made any advances towards you?"

"Yes, sir. He has lots of times."

"Have you succumbed to his advances or refused? If you don't want to
answer that we will have dinner and this conversation never took
place."

Calvin feels his hand being squeezed and looking again at Mark, he says
"I refused him but he keeps trying. He puts his hands on me when no
one is looking or follows me into the men's room. Mr.Woolford, I don't
like him but I can't afford to lose my job either.  My mom needs me to
help out, she don't make much at the hospital. Sometimes when he
touches me and I move away from him he looks real mad and that
scares me.  Other guys have told me what he wants and some have quite
when they wouldn't give in to him."  Calvin looks down at the table as
he tells William this stuff and looking at Mark he whispers very low "I
never let him touch me Mark, never."  Mark squeezes his hand tight
and he feels better.

"William" Lee says. "Do we need to do this now? Couldn't it wait until
later?"

"It could Lee but there are some thing's I have suspected. When you
asked me about Cyrus this morning, I had a hunch what it might be
about. Calvin, I apologize but one or two more questions please."

"Yes sir."

"I don't think anyone will be shocked by this but did he ask you for oral
or anal sex Calvin?"

At that question Calvin turned beet red before answering almost
inaudibly "oral sir." Calvin could feel tears in his eyes as he continued
"he would touch me there and say it would be to my advantage to do as
he asked. Other guys do it with him and I should too, he said. I just
couldn't Mr. Woolford. I know I am gay but I wouldn't have sex with
him like that" the tears flowing down his cheeks he looks at Mark and
leans towards him as Mark takes him in his arms. Sobbing he say's "I
just can't do something like that Mark. It made me feel dirty every time
he tried and touched me."

Mark looks at his uncle and then at William saying "Uncle William,
Uncle Lee, please. I don't know why you are doing this but no more
please."

"One more thing Mark & that will end it. Calvin did he ever threaten you?"

Calvin sits up straight and looks at William, his eyes red and cheeks wet
from his tears. "No Mr. Woolford, he never threatened me but he said I
should think hard about what he wanted if I wanted to stay with him. I
guess that is a threat but he never tried anything physical."

"Good Calvin" William says. "You have told me what I want and I am
sorry. Later Lee and I are going to have a talk about this and you will
understand why I had to ask."  He excused himself and he gets up and
walks from the room. ChoLin is standing close by and he asks if he
could use his private telephone and is led to a private office where he
places a call to Mr. Charles Effingham telling him what he has heard.
After that, he calls Coleman at the motel and tells him to be there when
he arrives later in the evening.  Coleman breaks into a cold sweat at the
call and the cold tone he unmistakably hears.

Returning to the dining room, William retakes his seat and tapping his
glass the twins step inside and William asks one of them to bring a basin
of warm water and a cloth while the other clears the glasses from the
table.  Within a few minutes, ChoLin stepped into the room carrying a
basin with towels asking.....

"You ordered this William?"

"Yes Cho, I did. Would you put it before our young friend please and
we are ready for dinner."

Taking a towel from ChoLin, Mark dips into the warm water that
smelled like Gardenias. He was amazed at the ease with which William
handled things and as if nothing had happened he ordered the basin and
then dinner. He wiped the tears from Calvin's face and smiles at him to
let him know how he felt and saw the gratitude in his beautiful green
eyes.  Mark could feel a compassion in his breast for Calvin and what he
had just confessed to an almost stranger in front of people. He didn't
know if he could have done the same or not.  All the time William had
been questioning Calvin, Mark noticed his uncle sitting, listening and he
could tell from the look in his eyes, he was livid with anger and it sort of
frightened him a little. But even as he thought of it, he knew he trusted
his uncle completely.

MyWin and LoWin entered carrying two very large dishes covered with
gleaming silver covers and set them on a side table at Williams elbow.
"Would you care to serve or shall we Mr. Woolford" one of them asked.

"You may MyWin, you always do so well" William says.

Calvin had regained his composure and he whispered to Mark "how
does he know who is who? I can't tell the difference in them. They look
so much alike. I have never seen anyone like them."

Overhearing Calvin, William says, " I am surprised you hadn't noticed
Mark. Do you see the where the cuff buttons are on their jackets?
MyWin has a silver pair of the letter M and LoWin has the letter L.
Even though they are cousins, ChoLin hhas told me he has difficulty
distinguishing them."

As they were talking, the twins placed a dinner of Peking duck before
them with Chinese vegetables and wild rice.  A small bowl of a savory
chicken broth was placed with their platters. The twins go about their
task with quiet efficiency as William watches.
Mark and Calvin watch as they step back outside the doorway
and the curtains close, they hadn't even noticed when ChoLin left.

The meal was delicious and both boys asked for a second helping.
William and Lee finished and sipped their tea as they watched two
obviously hungry teenagers eat.  William leaned over to Lee and asked
if he still intended on having a nightcap at the motel. Lee answered in
the affirmative. Mark and Calvin finished and leaned back in their seats
with a sigh of satisfaction.

Calvin looked at William and said "Mr. Woolford, thanks for the best
meal I have ever tasted, it was delicious."

"You are very welcome Calvin, would you or Mark care for a dessert?"

Almost at the same time, he heard "On no, not right now, thanks
anyway."

William tapped his glass and asked that a bottle of the rice wine be
brought in with 4 glasses. When the wine had been brought and served
he looked at Calvin for a moment or two as he sipped from his glass.

Lee could see that something was on his mind and he asked softly
"Uncle Bill what are you up to? This is not like you at all."

"Listen carefully Lee" and he leaned in Calvin's direction and said
"Calvin I have something important I want to ask of you. No, it is not
about Coleman, this is entirely different and concerns you. No answer
tonight though."  William watched Calvin intently for a few seconds.

"Yes, sir Mr. Woolford."

William glanced over at Lee and Mark. He could see they both were
intent on what he was saying.

"Calvin, I need an assistant in my shop and I think you would be more
then qualified if you would like to learn the clothing business" he
glanced again at Lee holding his hand up at the coming question he
could see forming. "There would be some ground rules if you should
decide to come with me. First a little information if you don't mind. I
am assuming you are a high school graduate so what was your grade
average when you graduated?"

"I graduated with a 3.8 average sir. I studied an academic course
thinking I might qualify for a scholarship but mom got sick and I had to
go to work. She is still not doing that well but we manage."

"Would she object if you came with me, Calvin?

"I don't think she would sir. I would talk it over with her first though."

"I would expect you to. Does she know of your sexual preferences?"

Glancing at Mark, he answers" we have never discussed it Mr.
Woolford but I think she knows already."

"Would you be adverse to discussing the subject with her Calvin? I ask
that for one reason. I like open and complete honesty in my
relationships with people. I would not want her to suddenly find it out
and be upset with me or you and thinking something was wrong in you
working with me. As for myself, I make no demands on you at all other
then being diligent in your work. I will teach you everything I know and
there is one stipulation I will insist on. I would want you to attend
college and the schedule would be worked out for both work and
studying. I will advance your tuition costs and other expenses. Note, I
say advance not give.  You will earn your education. As to the questions
I see in your mind Lee, I have been thinking about this for a long time
and it was only a matter of who it would be.  I am not getting any
younger and I have no family.  If Calvin should decide to accept this
offer, he could eventually become the owner of Woolford Clothiers but
be sure it will be earned not given. His being gay is a plus and I think
you will agree with me on that Lee."

The stunned silence in the room could have been cut with a knife as Lee
and the boys just sat there. Finally Lee broke the silence by saying........

"William Woolford, you absolutely amaze me. I thought I knew you
pretty well but now I am not so sure."

William grinned at Lee with sheer delight showing in his eyes as he said
" what did I teach you about keeping people guessing young man and
this is something young Calvin and Mark must learn. Never divulge all
of your thoughts or feelings unless you must. Privacy is precious."

"But Mr. Woolford" Calvin said "why me. I can't ever pay you back
but I sure would try."

Lee answered for William "Calvin you just heard him say there were no
strings attached. As long as you work hard, get your education and talk
with your mother, he has placed no demands on you at all."

Turning Lee said "Uncle Bill are you going to try a second time? I think
that is where you are headed along with some other things."

"Why not Lee? It is what I want to do and I can remember someone not
much unlike him that only a few years ago needed my help.  I leave it
entirely up to Calvin. If he wants the help of my experience he has only
to ask for it. Other then that it will be an employer, employee
relationship no more no less. Earning the business will be up to him.
Someone will eventually get it and I would just as soon it be him if he
wants to work for it and do as I ask with or without the rest of it."

William had said a few things as well as his uncle and Mark was going
to ask him. He had an idea what they were talking about and he was
sure Calvin was completely in the dark.

William touched his glass and ChoLin walked in almost immediately.
Looking at him he said, "I think we are ready to leave Cho. Everything
was excellent as always."

"And as always William it was my pleasure having you. Perhaps you
will do me the honor of having a private supper with me soon?"

"Count on it Cho. Lee and Mark are leaving this Wednesday and I will
call you soon. Thanks ever so much and express my satisfaction to your
cousins, they are fantastic."

"Maybe soon you will be able to express it to them directly. You know
how fond they are of you William."

"Soon Cho, soon."

As they reach the private door, Charles is waiting for them and both
boys wonder how he knows when to be there. They don't know that
Charles has dinner in another part of the restaurant and when Mr.
Woolford is ready, he is told and he brings the car around. At other
times, he has a beeper and cell phone that he can be called on. Usually
when he is out with Mr.Woolford he is not very far away. The story
about his sons and his devotion they will learn later on.

As they were driving back to the Holiday Inn, Lee and William are
talking in low tones with each other. Mark heard the name Coleman
mentioned a couple of times but that was all. Looking at his uncle, he
could tell he was more then just a little upset and that worried him.
Calvin was sitting in the front seat with Charles and his mind was in a
whirl from all he had heard during the evening. Looking into the back
seat he could see Mr. Woolford and Mr. Michaels talking intently with
each other and hoped there would not be any trouble.

Charles drives the Lincoln under the marquee expertly, stopping at the
entrance. He releases the door locks before walking around and opening
the rear and then the front door for his passengers.  After they
disembark, he waits for his instructions from William.

Walking to Charles, William asks him if he would mind waiting or if he
wished he could go home and he would take a cab later.  He and Lee
were going to have a nightcap together and chat some.  Charles tells
William that he will wait and call him when he wished to leave.

While William is with Charles, Lee tells Mark and Calvin to go on too
the room. They were going to have a drink together in the lounge.

Mark looks at Lee and asks "Uncle Lee are you alright? I have not seen
you upset before and it worries me. Can't we wait here in the lobby
while you and William are in the lounge.  Send us a Pepsi or something
and we will be okay, please Uncle Lee!!!"

Calvin sees Coleman standing behind the desk and he says to Lee, "have
I caused some trouble Mr. Michaels? Mr. Coleman is over there and he
is never here this late in the evening.  I hope I have not done something
wrong sir."

Lee takes both boys by the shoulder and looking at Calvin he says, "you
have not caused any trouble. You will probably not have to worry about
him after tonight if you do what I have a strong feeling you are going to
do. Now then, both of you go to the room and if you want cold drinks I
will have some sent to the room. Now go."

Both of them walked towards the door leading to the hallway and
looking over their shoulders Lee could see they were concerned and it
made him feel good. Mark waved just a little and he felt his heart swell
in pride for him.

As Lee was watching them leave, William walked up and said "lets have
that drink Lee" and they walked into the lounge.

Coleman was watching them as they went through the doors and he was
still concerned as to why William had insisted he be here when he
arrived. He started to move from behind the desk and then decided he
would wait and see what happened.  There was no need to seem anxious
until he knew what he wanted.

Paul was standing behind the bar polishing a glass, something they all
did so they seemed busy. He could feel that something was up when he
saw Coleman still in the motel and the way he was watching Lee and his
friend walk into the bar.  His eyes were riveted on Lee as he moved with
an athletic grace and confidence and thinking to himself "that is all man
if I ever saw one" and there was a warm feeling in his groin.

Lee saw Paul and with his hand indicated they would be sitting at a
table and Paul moved out to meet them as they sat down.

"Good evening Mr. Michaels, Mr. Woolford. Good to see you this
evening" Paul says looking at Lee. "How may I help you? Would you
like another of scotch and soda Lee or something else. He didn't catch
his slip of the tongue using his given name and he blushed slightly.

Lee acted as if he had not heard the slip and said, "that would be okay
Paul, what would you like Uncle Bill? Paul mixes with Cheves Regal
and I know you like that."

Glancing at the bartender and then Lee he says, "that will be fine. Not
too much ice though if you don't mind."

"Right away gentleman." Turning he hears William say........

"Would you call the manager and ask him if he would step in here
please?"

"The manager Mr. Woolford? Yes sir" and Paul walk's away a little
quicker. Picking up the intercom receiver he pushes the front desk
button and hears........

"Yes." Coleman had dreaded the call and his hand shook as he held
the receiver.

"Mr. Coleman, Mr. Woolford asks if you would come into the lounge.
He is sitting with Mr. Michaels" and he replaces the receiver not waiting
for an acknowledgement.  Turning he starts making the drinks they had
ordered and at the same time he made a bourbon and coke for
Coleman. He had a feeling he was going to need it.

Coleman buttoned his jacket and walked towards the lounge. He was
trying to act nonchalant about the call but he was not feeling very
confident. William seldom drank in his lounge and drinking with
Michaels after the afternoon meeting he had, that worried him even
more.

Paul finished the drinks and taking them to the table he told William,
"Mr. Coleman will be right in sir. I took the liberty of making him a
drink as well." Paul sat the drinks on the table and returned behind
the bar as Coleman walked in.

As he reaches the table, he hears William say, "good evening Cyrus, I
believe
you have met my friend Lee Michaels. Sit and join us. I believe the
bartender has made you a drink."

Coleman could not help but hear the cold formality in the words as he
sat and said, "Yes, William. Mr. Michaels and I met earlier this
afternoon." Coleman noticed his penetrating eyes watching him over the
rim of his glass and he shivered slightly from the cold look.
The three men sat and sipped their drinks in silence for a moment.
>From where he was standing, Paul could see, almost feel the tension
between them. He didn't know what was up but he almost, almost felt
sorry for Coleman. He was way out of his league with these two men.

Leaning forward a little William said "Cyrus, Charles and I have heard
some disturbing rumors and I have verified them this evening. Could
you tell me if they are true or not? We both would like to know."

Coleman stuttered for just a second before answering, "I'm sure I don't
know what you have heard William. The motel is turning a nice profit
and we have been staying pretty full even though business is down a
little otherwise."  He felt that was as far as he wanted to answer him.

Again the silence except for the clinking of ice in their glasses. Lee was
thinking to himself "this is up to William and he would not get involved
unless asked" he was enjoying watching Coleman squirm and sweat.

"Cyrus, Cyrus. I have known you to long and you know exactly what I
am referring to. It is not motel profits. I have warned you several times
about the rumors that have been circulating. You, obviously, have
chosen to ignore my warnings. You may protest your innocence but it is
no good, there is to much evidence that would refute anything you
might say in your defense."

Lee watched Coleman's face and he could see that the man was beaten
by the manner in which he stroked the glass and would not look
William or he in the eye.  The rabbit had been caught in the trap he had
made for himself and there was no escaping.

Would you like a fresh drink Cyrus? I can summon the bartender if you
would." William raised his hand and motioned towards Paul.

Paul moved briskly to their table and said, "yes, Mr. Woolford."

"Bring us fresh drinks Paul if you don't mind. Thank you." William sat
watching Coleman waiting for some kind of an answer while the drinks
were being made.

Paul returned and sat the drinks on the table, quickly moving away but
he could not help but see the look on Coleman's face. A look of fear he
had seen once when a Navy buddy of his was in a fight with another
sailor and he had to stop him from really hurting him.

"Cyrus, since you offer no defense of the charges I have made, you leave
me no choice.  Charles and I have agreed on a 3 month severance
although I don't think you deserve it.  Clean your things from your
office, your services are no longer required at Holiday Inn Louisville.
Leave tonight, your assistant will assume your duties as manager."

Coleman looked up and said "William, please. You can't mean you are
going to terminate me after all the time we have known each other. I
have done a good job for you and Charles and you know it."

Lee watched as Coleman pleaded with William. He knew that once William
had set a course, it would be followed and especially when he held all of
the cards. From what Calvin had told them, it could be devastating if
Coleman did not take the offer and decided to fight.  He didn't think the
man had the guts for a fight like that.  He heard William say.....

"Your efficiency is not in question Cyrus. Your ethics and morals are.
You know what I mean. If you want it all to become public, that is your
choice. The motel will survive but I have my doubts you will. Make up
your mind. It is getting late and Charles is waiting for me. Lee and
I will wait until you are finished and bring all of your keys to me."

Lee heard the cold finality in Williams voice as Coleman got up and
walked with stooped shoulders out the door of the lounge.

Paul watched the events and he could tell what had happened at the way
Coleman left. Glancing at Lee, he could not help but smile at him but he
did not see a response even though he was looking directly at him.  He
polished the inevitable glass and thought "that is one tough turkey but
there was something he liked in him."

Coleman had left and Lee and William sat for a few moments in silence
before William said...........

"I hate that happening. Cyrus used to be a pretty good man but I think
his age caught up with him and he couldn't handle it. Using his position
to satisfy his cravings is inexcusable." He raised his hand again in Paul's
direction.

As Paul was walking toward them he said "Lee, I think you like this
young man, don't you?  He is awfully good looking isn't he?"

Before he could answer, Paul reached the table and said "yes sir."

"Paul, who is the young man at the desk, do you know him?"

Paul didn't look at the desk when he answered, "that is Victor Mulling
Mr. Woolford. He is on duty until 6 in the morning but I think he is
working until Mr. Thompson gets in at 8. Mr. Thompson is the Assistant
Manager and will be covering the desk until the noon shift comes on."

"Do me a favor if you would Paul. Relieve him for a few minutes and ask
him to come in and bring a pen and pad with him. Would you do that
and then we will have another drink. These are flat and you can take
that other concoction back and dump it out."

Paul walked to the desk and Lee answered William's previous question.
"I can't fool you can I Uncle Bill. Yes, I find him very attractive and
might be spending the night with him if he stays here in the motel. He
told me he might since it was a long drive to his home and it was late."

"Lee. The way you have been watching him, it would be a blind man
that didn't see what you have been thinking.  I envy you. As soon as
Cyrus leaves we will be finished until tomorrow when you and Mark are
coming for his final fitting.  What about the boys tonight?"

Lee smiled and said, "I don't think you have to worry about them. You
should have seen them earlier. I peeked through the door and they
seemed to be enjoying each other's company. Mark is learning but
where Calvin is concerned I don't that he had much difficulty. He is a
really nice boy."

"I can see he is and I hope he takes me up on my offer.  I would really
like to have someone like him around even if only as a companion. I
think he has hidden talents and I am not speaking sexually. I can hope
but it is not paramount. I really would like to see him succeed and
maybe one day take over the business."

"I think he will Uncle Bill. He impressed me as being a level headed
young man and I like his dedication to his mother, that speaks well of
him."

The desk clerk approached the table and asked "you sent for me sir?"
He handed the paper and pen to William and Lee could detect a slight
hesitation in the boy's manner. "Damn Coleman, he has them all
scared," he thought.

The boy stood there quietly as he watched William writing before he
said "Victor, I'm Mr. Woolford. I would appreciate it if you would see
that Mr. Thompson receives this in the morning when he arrives.  It is a
request that he assemble the entire staff at 9o'clock in the morning and
I will be here to speak with them. Think you can do that alright?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Woolford. I will be sure he receives it. Thank you sir. May
I return to my station now?"

"At once and ask Paul to fix those drinks for us, will you?" The boy
nods as he leaves holding the note tightly.

As he goes through the door they see Coleman coming in and walking
towards them with a large ring of keys in one hand and a box under his
other arm. Laying the keys on the table he looks at William and starts
to say something but William cuts him off.

"Nothing else to be said Cyrus. I wish you luck and I will have your
check drawn up as soon as possible and mail it to you. Do not, please do
not come onto the property again for any reason and do not call me or
Charles. Do you understand me Cyrus?" He receives only a nod in answer.

They watch as he walks out the door and past the Lincoln waiting for
William. Paul brings the fresh drinks and removes the others along with
the almost untouched bourbon and coke.

"Do you think he will cause you and Charles trouble Uncle Bill?"

"No Lee." William says. "Cyrus does not have it in him, he always
lacked character and in retrospect, I regret giving him the job here. I
felt sorry for him is the only reason I did. He was good once as I said."

Lee later learned that William was in partnership with Effingham in the
motel and usually handled the oversight of its operation.

"Well Lee, I think we should call it a night or at least I should. I see
Charles is waiting for me and I will see you and Mark in the morning
about 11o'clock, right. I think Paul wants to close the lounge before he
wears that glass out."

Lee walks with William to his car and giving him a hug whispers, "you
are still the best. See you in the morning."

He returns to the bar and picking up the glasses he takes them to the
bar. Looking at Paul he says "ready to close Paul. I think enough has
been done here tonight, don't you?"

Paul takes the glasses and says "close up yes. I hope we are
not finished" and he extends his hand with a magnetic key card to Lee.

Taking the card he asks "may I use your in house phone Paul?" He dials
room #106 and when Mark answers, he says.......

"Do you think you and Calvin can do without me sport? I will see you in
the morning."

"Yes Uncle Lee. Calvin and I will be alright. Uncle Lee, did I tell you
how much I love you? I do you know, an awful lot." He hears his uncle
say "I love you to sport." The line goes dead and Mark hangs it up. He
knows he will be alright and smiles as he walks into the bedroom where
Calvin is waiting for him in bed.

After hanging the phone up Lee tells Paul "see you in a few minutes."

He walks out of the bar as Paul removes the cash drawer and he is
completely calm, in his hand, Paul's room card................

Send comments to: mariner23502@hotmail.com